Stay Cool: Avoid heat-related injury and illness

Published June 23, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Irealous L. Layton
579th Medical Operations Squadron, Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Summertime is here once again and the 11th Wing's Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight experts on Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., would like to ensure Airmen are aware of the signs and symptoms of heat injury and illness, as well as the simple ways to avoid becoming a heat casualty.

The BEF monitors current heat stress index levels. An instrument called a wet bulb globe thermometer takes into account air movement, humidity, temperature and heat exchange, and produces a composite temperature. This composite temperature is used to estimate potential heat stress risk.

Depending on the WBGT reading, a corresponding colored flag may be displayed on base to indicate the heat stress level. On the low end, 82-84.9, called "condition green," presents little risk of hyperthermia. A reading of 85-87.9, or "condition yellow", indicates a moderate heat stress risk; 87-89.9 or "condition red," is considered high; and 90 and above, "condition black," carries excessive risk of heat-related injury. The BEF measures the WBGT index throughout the day from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, or as temperature dictates.

When outdoors in hot and humid weather, the body absorbs the sun's heat and it's harder to stay cool. Participating in physically strenuous labor or exercising outside generates more heat, raising temperatures and causing heat illness.

One of the three most common types of heat injury are heat cramps, which are painful spasms in the skeletal muscles. Treat by applying firm pressure to the cramping muscles using warm wet towels.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion, the second most common heat-related injury, consist of faintness, leg or stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, headache, abnormal sweating, confusion and lack of coordination. Heat exhaustion should be treated by moving the victim to a cool, shaded place and rehydrating with cold electrolyte drinks. This condition requires medical attention.

The most severe heat-related illness is heat stroke, identified by increased body temperature, confusion, memory loss, incoherent speech or lack of coordination. The victim should be moved to somewhere cool and given medical attention as quickly as possible. Heat stroke is a matter of life and death.

Frequent rest breaks in a cool area will help ensure individuals can accomplish the mission safely for longer durations of time. The most important advice to remember is to drink plenty of water and spend the least amount of time possible in the sun. Spending time in a hot, humid, non-ventilated area without adequate fluid intake puts individuals at high risk of becoming a heat casualty.

WBGT monitoring and current heat index alerts allow supervisors and commanders to determine work and rest cycles.

Remember, adequate water intake, rest cycles, and recognizing symptoms of heat illness are necessary to reduce or eliminate heat injuries before they take place. Be proactive, not reactive, and have a safe, injury-free summer.